Natural Awakenings Central Florida- September 2024
• Dietary Influences on Health and Disease
• Nutrition and Aging
• The Herbal Medicine Chest
• Detoxification and Healing
• Antioxidants
• Health Psychology
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“Yah
Kahnt Geht Thayer Fahm Ear.” ~ source unknown
Each month I try to pick a quote which relates to our theme. I remember this funny saying from my years living in Northern Vermont. It is a reply when asking for directions from a friendly New England resident in the backwoods. It’s spelled: “You Can’t Get There from here.”
Our theme is Emotional Healing, and while restless at 4 am wondering about my letter’s content, this quote came to mind. Right! I can’t get there from here…I leapt out of bed and went straight to my keyboard to write this!
One day later, I am relating this quote to not just being lost driving with an out-dated map. I think of those who are dealing with alcohol and/or drug addiction. The more I learn about so-called “recreational” stuff, there is no fun or any benefits. As a crutch for stress reduction and relaxation, using them only brings a perpetually-negative downward cycle. Author and founder of This Naked Mind, Annie Grace shares an abundance of sciencebacked information on these facts. See p15.
September is National Mushroom Month. Do you know? Consuming mushrooms (not the psychedelic ones) enhances brain and overall health. See pp 20-21. I have foraged Reishi in Western NC, and I just ordered a DIY kit to easily grow my own safe varieties.
If you are dealing with stress, anxiety and/or fullblown burnout, you’ll find help here. Stay curious—and don’t give up. Remember: You are not alone—and you CAN get there from here!
SURREAL FLORIDA
Skye Winter, an artist born and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands and now residing in Spartanburg, SC, is deeply drawn to surrealist art and finds inspiration in the vibrant colors of her island home.
Her painting “Surreal Florida” is inspired by the state’s vibrant flora and fauna of Florida where she lived for over a decade.
Known for her vivid color palette and whimsical style, Skye’s work—both paintings and photography—has been featured in galleries across Central Florida and South Carolina. She explains, “I love capturing the extraordinary in everyday life. The fleeting nature of each moment compels me to document it through my art, knowing it will never happen the same way again.”
To view more of Skye’s work, visit www.skyewinter.com where you can purchase a variety of items including totes, jigsaw puzzles, pillows, notebooks, stationery and, of course, wall art! Get your holiday shopping done early. She can easily be reached at email: skye@skyewinter.com
Dr. Kushang Shah Joins
The Center For Natural & Integrative Medicine
As a board-certified Internal Medicine physician with specialized training in Functional Medicine, Dr. Shah is driven by a passion for reversing illness and promoting long-term wellness.
Whether you are dealing with chronic illness, working to manage your weight, or seeking relief from joint pain, Dr. Shah’s integrative approach delivers a comprehensive path to optimal health. His commitment to Functional Medicine ensures that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs.
Alongside Dr. Shah, the team at CNIM—including Dr. Kirti Kalidas, MD, ND; Dr. Amar Kalidas, DO; and Dr. Sara King, APRN, FNP-BC—remains committed to exceptional patient care by integrating the latest medical research with both conventional and natural medicine. For more info, contact The Center for Natural & Integrative Medicine at 407-355-9246 or email info@drkalidas.com
Free Breathwork Sessions with Nikki Paschar
Nikki Paschar is excited to announce that she is newly certified in both Trauma-Informed Breathwork and Transformational Life Coaching. These qualifications enhance her ability to guide women through a deep healing journey that addresses the emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual impacts of burnout caused by trauma and emotional suppression. She shares, “Often, people inadvertently suppress their emotions, unsure of how to express or manage them effectively. This suppression can manifest as physical pain, emotional scars, negative behaviors, troubling thoughts, and even illness. Discovered through my own healing journey, it takes more energy to keep these emotions buried than to work with them, and true healing emerges from recognizing and addressing the emotions that lie beneath pain and harmful behaviors.”
In her practice, Nikki integrates hypnotherapy to address the mental aspects of trauma, breathwork to release physical and emotional stress, and movement to support the entire process. This holistic approach helps to dismantle the layers of emotional and physical blocks, empowering individuals to transition from a state of fight-or-flight to one of strength and resilience. In celebration of her newest certifications, Nikki is extending complimentary group breathwork sessions until the end of 2024. This presents a wonderful no-obligation opportunity to experience the transformative power of breathwork and begin (or enhance!) your path to healing.
See her article in the July 2024 issue (pp 12-13) for 3 strategies to help you break free from the cycle of burnout. For more info and to register, visit: www.NikkiPaschar.com or for a Free Consult, call 352-809-2429.
Mindbody Activation
Comes to Florida this November
Join
Qigong expert Jeff Primack and guests for three days of the most powerful breathwork, qigong forms and hands-on healing practices known, taking place from November 9 to 11, at Lake County Fairgrounds, in Eustis, Florida. Learn techniques to open the chakras, improve digestion, reduce allergies, increase blood circulation, deepen sleep, and overall make you feel amazing anytime you want.
Qigong Healing uses a slow martial arts style movement that noticeably boosts blood circulation in profound ways. Primack has been sharing Qigong for 25 years with live audiences of 70,000-plus. When large groups practice together, a group energy is formed that further amplifies everyone’s energy.
In addition to Qigong, participants will gain valuable insights into free radicals and how the immune system works. The importance of breathwork and food-healing strategies has never been more crucial in our timeline. A unique opportunity, secure a seat now.
Cost: 299/All 3 days; $254/Before 9/30. Free to military, veterans, firefighters and police officers. Lake County Fairgrounds, Eustis, FL. Seating limited. Advance registration required. For details and complete curriculum, visit MindBodyActivation.live or call 561-275-8384. See ad page 31.
Vendors Wanted for the 19th Annual
Central Florida Veg Fest
Join us for an exciting day of colorful and educational exhibits and activities! The 19th annual event will take place at Orlando Festival Park near downtown Orlando on Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Admission is Free! Veg Fest is a family-friendly, dog-friendly, and smokefree event. Enjoy speakers, food demonstrations, a kids zone, humane education center, animal haven, artist corner, live music, 200+ veg-friendly vendors, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
Central Florida Veg Fest will draw both committed vegans and those who want to learn more about how a plant-based lifestyle enhances our health, the planet, and its inhabitants. Enjoy a diverse cross-section of vegan cuisines and lifestyles. Discover new products and ideas from vendors and contributors, and learn from a wide variety of presentations. Whether you’re looking for new ideas to add flavor, variety, and health to your meals, or you’re a “seasoned” vegan interested in expanding your knowledge of nutritious and ethical foods, this is the place for you.
Central Florida Veg Fest is organized by Vegetarians of Central Florida, Inc., a nonprofit, volunteer-operated organization. VegCF also organizes Central Florida Earth Day at Lake Eola Park in April. All money raised will be used to support the veg community and educate our neighbors. Veg Fest vendor applications are being accepted now! For more information, visit www.CFVegFest.org
DO; Kirti Kalidas, MD, ND; Sara King, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC
PRP Therapy for Skin Rejuvenation
A longtime favorite of athletes as a nonsurgical recovery option, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is increasingly being embraced as a skin rejuvenation tool.
The minimally invasive process uses concentrated platelets from a patient’s own blood to help repair and regenerate injured tissues. Once extracted from the patient, the blood is put through a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets, which are then re-injected into the patient’s area of injury, damage or concern.
By stimulating collagen production, PRP injections can help improve skin texture, tone and elasticity. This can result in a more youthful appearance and smoother skin. PRP therapy can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and scars, giving the skin a more even and radiant complexion.
As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. PRP injections can help counteract this process by promoting collagen synthesis and improving skin firmness, all without the need for invasive procedures like surgery or chemical peels.
PRP therapy is just one of the services offered at Family Integrative Medicine, which specializes in regenerative medicine, harnessing the power of the body’s innate stem cells to help augment its ability to heal itself.
Their holistic approach integrates regenerative treatments with other non-surgical options for long-term illnesses and chronic conditions, including Functional Medicine, Oriental Medicine, and Chiropractic care. Let’s address the root causes, not just treat surfacelevel symptoms. To learn more about Family Integrative Medicine, call 407-584-4994, email care@familyintegrativemedicine.com or visit FamilyIntegrativeMedicine.com
Cause of Lupus Discovered
Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, damaging joints, skin, muscles, connective tissue and major organs such as the kidneys, brain and heart. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, an estimated 1.5 million Americans have lupus, with nine out of 10 being women. Researchers at Northwestern Medicine and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, say they have identified the root cause of lupus. In research reported in the journal Nature, the scientists identified a molecular defect that promotes the immune response in lupus, as well as a way to reprogram the lupus-causing cells to correct the imbalance in the immune response. Work continues to find a safe and effective way to deliver these molecules to the body for reprogramming.
“My son looked and felt better
Benefits and Tips for Planting Native Trees
As people become increasingly aware of their environmental footprint, planting native trees stands out as an impactful action. In addition to their beauty and shade, indigenous species offer numerous other benefits.
Habitat Preservation
According to the National Wildlife Federation, loss of habitat is the primary threat to wildlife. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends planting native vegetation to maintain a biodiverse, robust and resilient ecosystem. Because these varietals have evolved over centuries to adapt to the local soil and climate, they are hardy providers of essential shelter and food for an area’s wildlife.
Soil Health and Water Conservation
The root systems of native trees play a vital role in maintaining soil health, helping to regulate soil temperature, prevent erosion and promote water infiltration. Native trees require less fertilizer and water than non-natives—of particular significance in drought-prone areas.
Climate Resilience
By sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gases, trees contribute to the fight against global warming. They also lower utility bills by shading the house in the summer while allowing the sun to warm it in the winter. Native trees are better equipped to withstand a region’s weather extremes, pests and diseases. The nonprofit American Forests suggests planting species that will be suitable for an area’s expected climate conditions in 30 to 50 years.
Human Enrichment
Native trees improve air quality by filtering pollutants. They also provide a sense of place and community. A neighborhood with abundant green spaces can enhance mental well-being by offering a natural retreat, especially in urban settings. Integrating native trees into community planning can foster a stronger connection between residents and their local environment, too.
Tips for Planting Native Trees
• Select the right tree. Consult the USDA tool (PlantHardiness.ars.usda.gov), which predicts a tree’s resilience in light of current and future climatic variables. To ensure genetic diversity, select plantings that are grown from seed instead of cloned.
• Choose the right spot. Make sure the tree’s mature size will fit the available space.
• Mulch and protect. To support microorganisms, control weeds, hold moisture and help a young tree flourish, spread two to four inches of mulch in a ring extending to the tree’s drip line; avoid piling it against the tree trunk. To enrich the soil, choose organic mulch such as composted leaves or aged hardwood bark.
• Water wisely. Research the water requirements of the species. During the initial establishment period, it is important to provide adequate water without overdoing it.
Stopping the Trauma Cycle
Mind-Body Healing
by Carrie Gauthier
Trauma can strike anyone at any time. Loss, heartbreak, abuse, violence, displacement, accidents, disasters, health problems—the list of possible traumas is endless. According to the National Council for Behavioral Health, 70 percent of adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lives, and more than a third of youth exposed to community violence experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma is a factor in most behavioral health and substance-use disorders. While trauma may be part of our lives, it does not need
Strategies
to define who we are or how we enjoy our lives. Healing from trauma can take time, but it is within reach.
Health Effects
Left untreated, trauma or repeated trauma has a wide range of short- and long-term effects on physical and mental health. Trauma increases stress and keeps the fight-or-flight response on elevated alert, resulting in the release of chronically high amounts of cortisol into the body. Initial reactions may include exhaustion, numbness, sadness, anxiety and
dissociation. Excessive cortisol increases the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, digestive problems, muscle tension, headaches, sleep issues, weight gain, irregular periods, anxiety, depression and cognitive challenges.
Cycle of Addiction
Trauma is a common precursor to addiction, because individuals often turn to substances as a coping mechanism for their emotional pain. The use of drugs or alcohol gives trauma sufferers a reprieve from their chronic stress by producing
pleasure and reducing negative feelings, and may even slow their central nervous system. Untreated, trauma can lead to a vicious cycle where one condition feeds the other.
Holistic Healing
While medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics can be effective in treating trauma symptoms, they may fall short in addressing the root cause. An integrative approach to trauma healing adds evidence-based therapies to tackle the underlying causes and promote longterm recovery.
Integrative Psychiatry
James Greenblatt, a board-certified functional and integrative psychiatrist and founder of Psychiatry Redefined, believes in a broader view of psychiatric care.
“For example, if our patient is suffering from depression and we were to tell them they should exercise because it’s the best antidepressant we have, that could come off as incredibly insensitive, ruin our chances of gaining their trust and add to their feelings of helplessness and isolation. Alternatively, if we show them how to recover their motivation and energy, that is the way to begin the relationship.”
“Our bodies are different, and our genetics are different. How we react to stress and trauma are different too. I start with lab and genetic tests to see if there’s something I can optimize biologically. Then we supplement any nutritional deficiencies to restore their functionality and increase their energy. These tests also partially help inform the way we design the complementary healing modality plan. This is the piece that gets missed a lot,” says Greenblatt, adding that he tests depressed patients for a vitamin B12 deficiency, which may contribute to depression, anxiety and even psychosis.
Finding a Safe Place
Children are particularly susceptible to trauma, and an adverse childhood experience (ACE) can pose lifelong impacts. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 64 percent of adults say they have had at least one ACE, and 17 percent say they had
four or more by age 18. ACEs can rob kids of the magic of childhood, disrupt their development and lead to maladaptive behaviors in adulthood.
Aimie Apigian, a double board-certified physician in preventative and addiction medicine and founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated, started her work with attachment and trauma by working with adoptive families to help their children with attachment insecurity. She explains that childhood traumatic experiences can result in “underlying mistrust—literally wiring a child’s nervous system, brain and body for survival—and overwhelm connection, security and safety.”
Somatic therapy is one modality that Apigian integrates to assist individuals on their trauma-healing journey, helping them connect with their bodies, learn to understand its messages and resolve stored trauma. Apigian explains that just 10 minutes of sequential somatic exercises over 21 days can restore a sense of safety. “For each person, the specific improvement or the degree of improvement will be different, but there will be an improvement as soon as we shift our biology into one of safety rather than of danger.”
By following an essential sequence to safely address stored trauma through somatic exercises, Apigian says people “experience 30 percent less depression, 30 percent less anxiety, 30 percent fewer digestive issues, 30 percent improvement in energy and a 60 percent increase in their feelings of safety. The essential sequence has to start with creating a felt sense of safety, then a sense of support and then opening up while pacing our process. It is such a powerful way to empower them for their lifetime.”
Reaching Our Inner Child
Inner-child work can help develop a dialogue to reach the place where we hold past emotions, memories, beliefs, hopes and dreams. “I tell people when they’re starting this journey, if they put their hands on their belly above and below their bellybutton and just let the hands be there, that will calm down an aspect of us so that it begins to feel safe. It’s called the basic self,” says Dr. Lin Morel, a trauma management specialist and founder of Beyond Words Group. “It’s an
aspect of our consciousness that is roughly 5 years old, if you were to give it an age. So it gets very fearful, and if it’s not loved, it will act out.”
According to Morel, embracing the basic self can help people out of some of the darkest corners of trauma. No stranger to childhood and adult trauma herself, she empowers her patients with the W.I.N. protocol (willingness, intention, neutrality), which offers them a fresh approach to handling challenges while developing their intuition and regulating emotions as a neutral observer.
Mindful Self-Regulation
There is growing evidence that mindfulness-based practices such as meditation and yoga aid in shifting focus from the negative to the positive aspects of experiences. These techniques calm the nervous system and empower individuals to take control of their narratives and become more resilient.
A 2017 review of trials involving 650 trauma sufferers that underwent mindfulness-based stress reduction, yoga and mantra repetition was published
in Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. The researchers concluded that meditation was an effective treatment for PTSD and depression symptoms as compared to the control groups.
A 2022 systematic review of 149 records and 11 peer-reviewed articles published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that those that practiced yoga had an increased sense of selfcompassion, felt more centered, developed coping skills, had a better mind-body relationship and improved their relationships with others. Participants also experienced a feeling of safety in yoga classes that included others recovering from trauma.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a mind-body practice that uses a trance-like state of deep relaxation to treat psychological and emotional disorders. Guided imagery, progressive relaxation and suggestion therapy are used to explore thoughts, feelings and memories that may be
hidden from the conscious mind. Selfhypnosis techniques are also taught for ongoing support, empowering individuals to continue their healing outside of therapy sessions. A 2016 metaanalysis published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis concluded that hypnosis is effective in alleviating PTSD symptoms.
“A miracle, simply, is a shift in the mind. Once you find the root cause of the problem in the mind and bring that to consciousness, we’re shifting from ego to true self, from fear to love, from illusion to truth,” says Matthew Brownstein, executive director of the Institute of Interpersonal Hypnotherapy. “Through hypnotherapy, that shift is actually remarkably easy. You can shift as quickly as I can snap my fingers. So, basically, when you change your mind, everything changes. When a decision is made, it stays in place until you choose again.”
Carrie Gauthier is a writer in the healing arts with interests in clinical and transpersonal hypnotherapy.
Yavdat/Shutterstock
But What Does It All Mean?
by Annie Grace, Founder of This Naked Mind
Have you ever met someone who is just genuinely inquisitive about, well, everything? They take nothing at face value and want to know the meaning and motivation behind everything they and others do.
It can be incredibly frustrating to deal with someone like that but they do have something going for them. People who get curious and dig deep to understand the why behind what they do and why they do it are usually incredibly self-aware and self assured. They don’t second guess themselves and they seldom suffer from decision making fatigue. They hold back from making decisions until they have all the information they need to make a firm, not going back choice.
And that’s admirable.
It might seem overwhelming (and sometimes annoying) to put that much research, effort, and energy into making choices in life. After all, going
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•
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with our gut has been shown to be an incredibly effective way to do things as well. And the messy middle between those two is where the magic actually happens. Our gut is what pushes us to consider making a change or a choice in our lives. How often has that nagging discomfort in the pit of your stomach and that undercurrent of doubt in your mind been the reason you started exploring making a change in your life?
Was that the impetus behind searching “How to control alcohol” late one night?
Is that feeling what propelled you to check out those Mediterranean cookbooks from the library?
We have to feel something (or desire to feel something different) to get motivated to change. But that’s not enough. It’s how we approach things after that makes that change stick. So no matter how annoying, overwhelming, or frustrating it might seem, keep asking why. Keep getting curious, and keep gathering information and knowledge. It matters. Understanding why you want to change and how to do it matters.
It’s the difference between fleeting change and lasting change. Which will you choose?
Annie Grace is the founder of This Naked Mind. Even though she specializes in science-based alcohol education, her methods of successful recovery can be applied to many challenges in your life. This is a journey of self-discovery, revealing the “why” behind your habits and offers a path to lasting change. Don’t question your choices, understand them. Start your transformation by visiting www.ThisNakedMind.com where you can order her books (which are often fun to read!) and view her upcoming free online classes.
Aimie Apigian
on Releasing Stored Trauma
by Sandra Yeyati
Aimie Apigian is a double board-certified physician in preventative and addiction medicine with master’s degrees in biochemistry and public health. As the founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated, she instructs individuals and practitioners on how trauma gets stored in the body and what to do once it creates a chronic health condition. Her signature methodology looks at the effects of trauma on cell biology, a missing piece in trauma therapy approaches. Patients begin with a six-week foundational journey before digging into deeper trauma work and the biology piece.
How do you define trauma and the trauma response?
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Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses three words to define trauma: overwhelming, unbelievable and unbearable. A trauma is something that overwhelms us in our ability to respond. We can’t believe it’s happening, and it’s so unbearable we disconnect from our body to not feel it—it’s things like loneliness, shame or abandonment. That’s why we numb, suppress, repress, distract or avoid. The body shifts from using energy to conserving it, so we only do the bare minimum to get through the day—and that includes thinking; many people will have decision fatigue. Also, the diaphragm loses its tone in the trauma response because our body goes into, “I’m going to breathe only enough to keep me alive.”
Why does trauma get stored in the body?
If there isn’t a completion of the trauma response, then the body will hold onto that trauma. The nervous system never gets that completion that says, “That was awful, but it’s over now.” The brain never stores it
as a memory of the past, which means that it’s always in our present moment. When our whole biology continues to operate in fear, this can affect our hormones, immune system, digestion and cardiovascular system. Without a reset back to safety, we stay in danger mode and the body will close down at the cellular level.
How can we achieve a sense of safety?
During the first week of my foundational journey, I have people learn seven somatic exercises intended to help them create an immediate felt sense of feeling safer in their body. So no matter where they are—at the grocery store, at home— if they lose their sense of safety, they have tools in the moment to get it back.
Courtesy of Dr. Aimie Apigian
Can you give an example of a tool?
Bring your hands up as close to your shoulder as possible and imagine there’s this huge boulder in front of you. Start pushing it away, going as slow as you can. It’s not easy; you’re going to feel your arm muscles because you’re pushing hard. When you get to full extension, pause and wait for a few seconds. There are changes happening in our body, and it takes time for that message to travel up our vagus nerve to our brain stem to register. Take notice of any changes in your body. You might feel a sense of release. You might have this deep breath come that you didn’t plan for.
What comes next in the sequence?
Once we create that felt sense of safety, the body is opening up, and now it needs to feel support or it’s going to go back into trauma response. I lead people through the process of creating a felt sense of support. Here’s an example: Put your hands over your heart, one on top of the other, and push in quite a bit. A really deep breath comes for me; that’s how my body gives me the message that this is nice for me. Experiment and move your hands around—sometimes we can do it higher, more centered, over to the side—and find the spot that feels the nicest for your heart.
What is titrated expansion?
We each have a current capacity for how much we can hold at the moment without being overwhelmed, and I want to build my capacity so that a year from now I’m able to hold more. For many people in my courses, when they feel a lot of joy, then tears, sadness and grief seem to come, so it has been safer for them to just not feel much joy. To expand into your capacity to experience joy, you can’t go all the way immediately. You’ve got to find a safe amount of joy that you can have today that feels manageable, and then use a tool so that tomorrow you can feel a little more joy and still feel safe. We do this titrated or paced expansion, staying safe enough as we grow.
Can you explain your parts-work approach?
If we don’t complete a trauma response, there’s going to be a part that is still stuck there in that moment of danger, kind of not knowing that we survived. In parts work, I teach people how to know their major parts in order to stabilize their system. Your inner critic, for example, is a major part that we’ve got to work with pretty soon, because otherwise your critic will continue to shame you and get you into trauma response. I guide people to notice how these parts show up in the body. Next time you feel something familiar in your body, you know, “That’s my inner critic,” and it doesn’t scare or frustrate you anymore. You’re like, “Oh, hello.” That is a true mind-body connection.
Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings
To read a longer version of this conversation, visit Tinyurl.com/ApigianNA or scan the QR code.
What Role Do Genes Play in ADHD?
Healthy Living Tips from The Salt Room Longwood
Genes and genetic testing—and what our DNA can reveal about our health—have become topics of much research and great interest. People who wish to gain a more thorough understanding of their body’s intricate processes can—with assistance from knowledgeable health professionals—crossreference lab results with genetic testing to get a better picture of their health.
In the case of ADHD, neurotransmitter testing (which indicates levels of dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine and others) can be used in conjunction with genetic tests to discover the reasons why neurotransmitter levels may be off and match them up with the most effective interventions.
Your Genes Tell a Story
Genes produce enzymes, and then those enzymes make chemical reactions happen in the body. Genes control the production of neurotransmitters (how fast or how slow they’re being produced), the reuptake of neurotransmitters by neurons (how long they are active in the brain) and the degradation of neurotransmitters (how fast or slow they exit the brain after they have been utilized).
Looking at neurotransmitter levels (usually obtained through analyzing a urine sample) is important, but this study
only gives us a snapshot in time of the big picture. When you pair neurotransmitter levels with results from a genetic test (usually obtained through analyzing a saliva sample) it gives us insight into HOW those levels came to be, and which genes may be affecting the production and utilization of the neurotransmitters.
How Genetics Affect ADHD
Dopamine is just one neurotransmitter that we evaluate in people with ADHD; one function of dopamine is to regulate focus. There’s a gene called COMT that is responsible for the degradation of dopamine. If this gene is working too slowly, a person could have higher levels of dopamine because the neurotransmitter is not breaking down properly. But there are also other genes that affect dopamine in different ways. There are genes that produce dopamine and genes that store dopamine. So even if we’ve identified that the COMT gene is working too slowly, that could be offset by other genes. What we look for are multiple genes telling a story in one direction. If the genes are making too much dopamine, storing too much dopamine and not able to break down dopamine, we will see evidence of excessive levels of dopamine.
That person is going to be hyper-focused and very motivated but incredibly agitated because dopamine does that, too. The person might act like they’ve had way too much coffee. They’re going to be excessive with an energy that overwhelms people.
Solving Mysteries with Neurotransmitter Tests and Genetics Testing
The neurotransmitter test and the genetics test don’t always match up. For example, from the neurotransmitter test, it may look like someone has normal to low dopamine levels, but their symptoms may not support that. Through the genetics test, we may find out that a slow COMT gene isn’t getting rid of dopamine properly; it’s not being excreted. It makes sense once you see the whole picture.
High levels of dopamine (showing up in a neurotransmitter test) could indicate the person is breaking it down too quickly. This could be due to a “fast” COMT gene, or because it’s not being metabolized properly or being utilized by the brain properly; the person’s body is making it, breaking it down and not using it.
For example, a child may show high dopamine levels from a neurotransmitter test but exhibits no focus or hyperactivity. With high dopamine levels, the child should be very focused and maybe even hyperactive. The culprit may be a defective pathway in the genes. A gene variant may not be allowing use of the dopamine. We can’t change the gene itself, but we can help change the speed at which the gene’s enzyme functions.
How Do Genetics Help Solve ADHD and Other Problems?
Genes and the enzymes they produce are affected by the presence or absence of cofactors: vitamins, minerals and amino acids. For example, if a person has a “slow” COMT gene, this may create a situation
kostiantynvoitenko
Magnesium helps break down excessive dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine (all excitatory neurotransmitters).
where they’re hyper-focused, highly motivated but extremely agitated, impulsive and frustrated. Here magnesium is a helpful cofactor. If you’ve ever wondered why magnesium helps you feel relaxed, here’s why: Magnesium helps us break down excessive dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine (all excitatory neurotransmitters).
If a person has a “fast” COMT gene and is breaking down dopamine too much, then we may want to support them with cofactors that help increase dopamine in the brain, like the amino acid l-tyrosine. If we know the story of the blueprint, we can work around the genes.
Lifestyle Changes That Help Solve ADHD Issues
Lest we imply that supplementation is the only work-around for gene variations, you should know that your lifestyle habits also affect your body’s ability to balance neurotransmitter levels.
For example, a child with a “slow” COMT gene may exhibit anger, agitation and frustration. He’ll need to live in a more relaxing environment. Hint: Spending too much time on a computer is not relaxing because that activity naturally raises dopamine levels. Remember, COMT degrades dopamine, so if it’s running slow, that child will not be able to excrete dopamine very well once it has been produced. If he’s at the computer, bingeing through YouTube and TikTok videos, he’s increasing dopamine levels that his body cannot get rid of easily.
Therefore, when parents call him to dinner, they are met with a maniac child who’s screaming in protest because his dopamine is off the charts. To avoid such scenarios, it’s important to make sure the child is taking time to relax or play outside—activities that don’t boost dopamine production. Parents can also include high magnesium foods like avocados, greens, nuts, seeds, legumes and whole grains. Supplementation with magnesium glycinate could also be useful. A comprehensive nutrition program that limits sugar, GMOs and gluten, and includes more whole foods would also be beneficial. Of course, always consult a health professional before starting any new health program.
While much about our genes and their functionality is still a mystery, what we do know helps tremendously when dealing with many health issues. Adding genetic testing as a tool to evaluate the causes of ADHD symptoms can clarify any discrepancies between measured neurotransmitter levels and exhibited symptoms. This can lead to a more relevant and comprehensive treatment program with better outcomes.
Special thanks to Dwight Franklin, DOM, founder of Franklin Family Wellness Institute, for his help with this article.
The Salt Room Longwood serves all age groups in the Central Florida area with a safe, drug-free therapy proven to be effective for relieving symptoms of many chronic sinus, lung and skin conditions such as allergies, asthma and eczema. Salt Therapy is safe! HEPA/carbon filters and UV light kill 99% of all airborne and surface bacteria and viruses. To schedule a Salt Therapy session, call 407-862-1163 or visit www.SaltRoomLongwood.com
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September is National Mushroom Month, and with it comes bountiful inspiration to plate up some earthy goodness. Whether we follow the nearest woodland path to forage or visit the local market to stock up on our favorite fungi, autumn is the perfect time to appreciate the delicious world of edible mushrooms. From creamy vegan risotto to golden soups, or from daring sautés punctuated with chiles to savory broths, consuming more mushrooms benefits our palate and well-being.
Health Benefits
The Mayo Clinic reports that mushrooms help curb high blood pressure and protect us from neurodegenerative diseases such
as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Most mushrooms available at the market are a good source of B vitamins and minerals, especially selenium-rich creminis and vitamin D-rich maitakes.
A 2021 Penn State study published in Advances in Nutrition involving data of more than 19,500 cancer patients over several decades reveals that individuals consuming one-eighth to one-quarter cup of mushrooms daily had a 45 percent lower risk of total cancer compared to those that did not. It is believed that the antioxidants ergothioneine and glutathione— present in all mushrooms—contribute to beneficial metabolic processes in
the body. Other research is focused on a correlation between white button mushroom consumption and a lower risk of prostate and breast cancer.
Off the Trail and Into the Kitchen
Mushrooms have been used as both nourishment and medicine for ages, but their versatility in the kitchen is what delights Sharon Palmer, a plant-based dietician and author of California Vegan and The Plant-Powered Diet. “You can sauté or grill them as a side dish, stir them into soups and stews, add them to grain and pasta dishes, chop them into salads or bowls and include them in casseroles,” she advises. “Use finely chopped mushrooms in lentil patties, veggie burgers, veggie ‘meat’ balls and veggie loaves. You really can’t detect their texture, but you get that rich, savory flavor in the recipe.”
Palmer favors certain commonly available varieties: shiitake and trumpet mushrooms for their reliable, firm texture; oyster mushrooms for their delicate softness suited for stir fries; and petite enoki mushrooms for a crisp addition to salads. To obtain memorable flavor, gourmet varieties such as porcinis can be purchased dried and easily rehydrated for soups and sauces.
On the wilder side, foraged mushrooms such as golden chanterelles are an annual favorite among connoisseurs. “The mossy, old-growth forests of the Pacific Northwest are some of my favorite fall destinations,” says Langdon Cook, a Seattle-based forager and author of The Mushroom Hunters, who recommends taking a foraging class or joining a mycological society for hands-on safety tips and in-the-field learning.
ClarkandCompany from Getty Images Signature/CanvaPro
Cook notes that mushrooms are ideal for vegetarians and vegans because many varieties are firm in texture and pair well with vegetables. “Black trumpet or yellowfoot mushrooms take a basic dish of creamy polenta to the next level, and most grains and pastas will benefit from the addition of fungi,” he asserts. “Try a dry sauté method: heating the mushrooms in a bare pan until they release their water, cooking off that liquid and then adding butter or oil near the end of the cooking process to brown them.”
While mushrooms can dress up gourmet dishes, they are surprisingly quick and easy for everyday eating, too. “You don’t need to fuss over mushrooms too much,” Palmer points out. “Just rinse in water and pat dry; then you’re ready to cook with them. My favorite way to cook mushrooms is to slice and sauté them in a small amount of olive oil with garlic and lemon as a side dish.”
Cook advises, “Don’t try to cook mushrooms too fast or over high heat. Medium heat is fine. Take your time. Mushrooms are mostly water, and you need to cook off that liquid content to give them a nice sear.” He underscores the importance of cooking wild mushrooms fully to prevent digestive upset, especially morels, which “absolutely cannot be served raw or undercooked.”
Palmer concurs, saying, “Eating raw mushrooms may cause mild GI [gastrointestinal] issues in some people; cooking the mushrooms typically eliminates this issue.” She also suggests covering the pot or pan when cooking them in soups or stews to lock in flavor and nutrition.
For Cook, the magical lure of mushrooms goes beyond the tastebuds. “To me, morels mean springtime trips to woodlands reawakening from winter slumbers with birdsong and snowmelt, and porcinis mean long summer hikes to subalpine meadows in the Rockies and North Cascades,” he says.
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and recording artist. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
Vegan Pot Pie With Sage, Lentils and Mushrooms
YIELD: 6 SERVINGS
FOR
LENTIL
MUSHROOM FILLING:
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 8-oz sweet potato, peeled, cubed
4 oz fresh green beans, chopped
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 cup brown or green lentils, dried
2 Tbsp fresh sage (or 1 Tbsp dried)
2 tsp thyme
1 Tbsp whole-grain prepared mustard
½ tsp black pepper
2 cups vegetable broth
½ cup water
2 Tbsp gluten-free soy sauce
¼ cup plain, unsweetened, plant-based milk
2 Tbsp flour
Salt, to taste
FOR SAGE
PASTRY CRUST:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup whole wheat flour
¼ tsp salt (optional)
2 Tbsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1 Tbsp dried)
⅓ cup vegan butter
4-5 Tbsp ice-water
Heat olive oil in a heavy pot or saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes. Add sweet potato and green beans and sauté for 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté for 2 minutes. Add lentils, sage, thyme, mustard and black pepper and sauté for 1 minute. Add vegetable broth, water and soy sauce and cook for 15 minutes.
Mix plant-based milk with flour until smooth. Stir into vegetable mixture and cook until thickened and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, as desired. Transfer filling into a deep pie dish or round casserole that fits 1½ quarts.
While filling is cooking, make the sage pastry crust. Preheat oven to 425°F. In a medium bowl, mix all-purpose and whole-wheat flours and salt. Mix in sage. Cut in vegan butter with a fork until it makes a crumbly texture. Add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix using clean hands until it creates a firm dough that holds together but is not sticky. Do not overwork dough, as it will get tough.
Turn out pastry dough on a floured surface and roll out with a pastry roller to create a circle about 11 inches in diameter. Place the pastry over the top of the savory pie and crimp the edges with your fingers to secure the pastry dough to the top of the dish. Cut several vents with a knife along the pie.
Place the savory pie on a baking sheet (in case it boils over) and place in the oven. Bake for about 20 to 22 minutes until golden brown. Remove and serve.
To make this recipe gluten-free, use corn starch instead of flour and gluten-free flour blend instead of all purpose and whole wheat flour.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Sharon Palmer.
Courtesy of Sharon Palmer
Health Benefits of Yoga
Resolving Trauma and Other Mind-Body
by Carrie Gauthier
The first known reference to yoga is in the Upanishads Sanskrit texts, written 2,500 years ago. The practice originally comprised breath work, and the physical postures developed over time.
According to the global data platform Statista, nearly 34 million Americans practice numerous types of yoga, while science continues to provide evidence of its healing potential.
Calming Effects
With the frenetic pace of life today, many people live in a permanent state of anxiety. Yoga can ease the panic and malaise by activating the parasympathetic nervous system to decrease stress hormones, blood pressure and heart rate.
“Yoga therapy differs from traditional psychotherapy in scope and aim. Rather than delving into traumas, yoga empowers individuals to be present, moving away
from personal narratives,” says Adam Flores, a certified yoga therapist from Port St. Lucie, Florida, specializing in addiction and mental health. “Trained yoga therapists offer grounding techniques and skillful check-ins, especially for trauma cases, improving heart rate variability, vagal tone and overall nervous system health.”
Mental Health Benefits
A 2011 meta-analysis study published in Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders indicates that yoga may be an effective treatment option for severe mental illness, with the added advantage of being less toxic than pharmaceutical treatments.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant issue facing the U.S. military and a growing problem for teens that have experienced violent or traumatizing events. Conventional treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy and eye
Challenges
movement desensitization and reprocessing have shown limited effectiveness due to high dropout and nonresponse rates. On the other hand, studies have found that engaging in yoga and other mind-body practices can reduce intrusive memories, avoidance and emotional arousal symptoms, as well as anxiety, depression and anger associated with PTSD.
Yoga therapy improves critical factors in addiction recovery, including emotional balance, mental clarity and stress reduction. In a 2021 study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, yoga for the treatment of substance abuse disorder was determined to be an effective option.
Popular Yoga Disciplines
Yoga has developed into a variety of styles that can meet the goals and objectives of their practitioners. Some of the more popular formats include:
• Vinyasa: An up-tempo class of postures or poses (asanas) often accompanied by high-energy music that typically results in a consistently elevated heart rate.
A 2017 study published in The FASEB Journal found that eight weeks of vinyasa yoga improved physical fitness, relieved stress and improved mental well-being.
• Yin: This form of yoga focuses on gentle, passive stretches held for one to three minutes, offering ample opportunity to release stress and tension. Poses are often supported by props such as bolsters, straps, blocks, pillows and blankets. Long, slow, deep breathing promotes relaxation to help the practitioner hold each pose for extended periods of time. Yin yoga stimulates and stretches fascia, the thin connective tissue throughout the body, as well as ligaments and joints, resulting in increased flexibility.
Immagini di Michelangelo Oprandi/CanvaPro
• Hatha: This is a classic yoga style involving breathing exercises and poses that are held for longer periods of time than other formats. Although the slower, more meditative pace may seem easier, holding a proper pose for extended periods of time can be challenging for the body and mind. According to a 2018 study in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 12 sessions of hatha yoga significantly reduced stress, anxiety and depression in women.
• Kundalini: This yoga style prioritizes spiritual growth and awareness, with a focus on energy and chakras. Kundalini awakenings are common via movement sequences, breath work, mantras and chanting. Different studies in 2021 found that kundalini yoga is an effective short-term therapy for generalized anxiety disorder and can be helpful in reducing the severity of insomnia.
Maintaining Self-Esteem
One of the core tenets of a yogic practice is self-compassion, and it is important to
resist the inclination for negative selftalk. To adopt the yogic way is to choose happiness over suffering.
“In my experience, the best healing experiences happened by tapping into the body and unlocking the energies we hold onto,” says Paty Renda, a certified Ananda hatha yoga instructor and co-owner of Premah Wellness, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “I believe in serious work done
through fun exercises such as breath, dance, laughter and movement. A simple, slow and deep hatha yoga practice can create profound changes. Gratitude is another very easy, and yet immensely powerful, practice I infuse into everything I do.”
Carrie Gauthier is a writer in the healing arts with interests in clinical and transpersonal hypnotherapy.
golubovy
Natural Pet demonstrated significant improvements in emotional and attentional regulation among adolescents with PTSD that were asked to participate in a one-year dog-training program.
Healing Power of Therapy Dogs
Benefits for Post-Traumatic Stress Sufferers
by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN
Pet therapy, also known as animalassisted therapy (AAT), has long been recognized for its therapeutic benefits across a range of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychiatric service dogs are empathetic in nature and intuitively respond to human emotions. These capacities allow them to provide comfort and support precisely when it’s needed, often without the need for verbal communication. These dogs are not just pets but vital partners in the journey toward mental and emotional healing.
PTSD Recovery
Interacting with psychiatric service dogs can reduce anxiety and stress levels by increasing the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and stress reduction, while decreasing cortisol levels, which are linked to stress. Psychiatric service dogs provide a calming presence, which is crucial for reducing anxiety and hypervigilance, common symptoms of PTSD. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology involving 134 veterans with service dogs found that trained skills such as calming and interrupting anxiety are highly valued by veterans with
PTSD, suggesting their critical role in daily PTSD management. The study also noted that untrained behaviors of the dogs are often perceived as more beneficial than their trained tasks, highlighting the intrinsic value of simply having a dog as a companion.
A 2022 study of 82 post-9/11 military veterans published in PLOS ONE reported that their psychiatric service dogs helped them with PTSD by performing calming actions and interrupting the veterans’ disturbing behaviors and thoughts during anxiety episodes. Researchers noted that all of the tasks the dogs had been trained to perform were used daily by the veterans, providing benefits for nearly all PTSD symptoms, except amnesia and reckless behavior. The human-animal bond and untrained qualities, such as companionship, also significantly improved the participants’ symptoms and quality of life.
Psychiatric service dogs enhance emotional regulation and improve social interactions for PTSD sufferers. Their non-judgmental and accepting nature creates a safe space for individuals to explore and manage difficult emotions. Additional research reported in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology
Challenges for Service Dogs
While the therapeutic benefits for the handlers are significant, the European Journal of Psychotraumatology study also noted that the dogs in the training programs exhibited increased anxiety and decreased attention. This highlights a critical aspect of AAT: The welfare of the animals must be considered alongside the therapeutic benefits. Training programs need to ensure that the dogs are not overly stressed or burdened by their roles.
Practical Advice for Prospective Handlers
Prospective handlers of psychiatric service dogs should choose programs that prioritize the well-being of both dogs and humans through training, support and follow-up care. Engaging with a psychiatric service dog is a significant commitment that requires handlers to invest time in training and bonding with their dogs, as well as managing their emotional and physical needs to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship. Understanding the legal rights pertaining to psychiatric service dogs, including accessibility in public spaces and accommodations, is crucial. Handlers should educate themselves about local and national laws that protect their rights and those of their service dogs.
Psychiatric Service Dog
Obtaining a psychiatric service dog involves careful consideration of the therapeutic benefits versus the potential stress on the animal. Look for reputable programs that train dogs to assist individuals with PTSD, while also prioritizing the welfare of the dogs and properly matching dogs and handlers.
The integration of psychiatric service dogs into mental health care offers more than just companionship; it opens a dynamic pathway for healing and managing PTSD symptoms. As we continue to explore and understand the unique bond between humans and animals, it becomes increasingly clear that dogs are not only cherished pets but also invaluable partners.
Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.
VegCF First Monday Vegan Potluck Hosted by Vegetarians of Central FL, join us from 7-9p. Requested donation per person: a vegan dish (please bring ingredient list) or $10. First Unitarian Church of Orlando. See p30 for info.
THURS SEP 5
Energy Guided Meditation w/ Kara. Thursdays: 9/5-12-19-26. 2:30-3:30p. $22. www.ShiftingSouls. net (7575 Kingspointe Parkway Ste 21 Orl 32819)
SAT SEP 7
Herb Gardening w/ Buckaroo Mussatto. 1011a. Free. South Seminole Farm & Nursery, Casselberry, 407-695-3247. www.SSeminoleFarmandNursery.com
Develop Your Clairs w/ Kara. 1-2:30p. Unlock your natural gifts and deepen your understanding of the Clairs, such as clairvoyance and clairaudience, through transformative guided meditation and purposeful exercises. This immersive class empowers you to foster a greater connection with your intuition, offering profound insights into your unique abilities for personal and spiritual growth. $22. www.ShiftingSouls.net (7575 Kingspointe Parkway Ste 21 Orl 32819)
SUN SEP 8
Pendulum Class w/ Kara. 11:30a-1p. Have you wondered about Pendulums? Learn how to use one or become better at it. In this class you will also receive a pendulum to keep. $35. www. ShiftingSouls.net (7575 Kingspointe Parkway Ste 21 Orl 32819)
TUE SEP 10
Astral Travel w/ Judi Weaver. 6-wk series: 9/1010/15. 6-8p via Zoom. Expand your personal gifts, talents and sharpen your spiritual skills. We will explore and practice psychic travel, astral projection to meet guides, guardians, masters and so much more! Info and to register: JudiWeaver.com
WED SEP 11
Guided Breathwork w/ Nikki Paschar. 8p. Take the first step towards emotional and mental burnout recovery. Explore the transformative power of breathwork! Free. Reserve your spot at www. nikkipaschar.com/events or email Nikki@NikkiPaschar.com
Healing Modalities w/ Judi Weaver. 6-wk series: 9/11-10/16. 6-8p via Zoom. Explore the world of Healing: Energy Healing, Reiki, Sound, Breath, Pranic, Color, Shamanic, Crystals, EFTEmotional Freedom Techniques, Aromatherapy,
Chakra Balancing, Sigel’s, Touch Therapy, Quantum Healing and so much more. Info and to register: JudiWeaver.com
SAT SEP 14
Organic Vegetable Gardening w/ Jim Hunter. 10-11a. Free. South Seminole Farm & Nursery, Casselberry, 407-695-3247. www.SSeminoleFarmandNursery.com
Pouring Art with Gratitude w/ Kara. 11:30a-1p. Unleash your creativity and immerse yourself in a state of gratitude as you fill your canvas with heartfelt intentions, allowing vibrant colors and fluid movements to create stunning abstract compositions. This is a unique and joyful class! www.ShiftingSouls.net (7575 Kingspointe Parkway Ste 21 Orl 32819)
SAT-SUN SEP 14-15
SpiritFest 10a-6p. Are you looking for guidance, understanding and a clear sense of direction? Join Rev. Judi Weaver for Mini-readings and meet many other presenters. World Equestrian Center, 1750 NW 80th Avenue, Ocala, Florida. Info: JudiWeaver.com
SUN SEP 15
Healing Circle 11:30-1p. Immerse yourself in the profound healing energies of guided meditation, Reiki, and Pranic healing techniques. Experience a sense of deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and inner peace as you harmonize your mind, body, and spirit in a supportive and nurturing environment. Join us on this journey to unlock your body’s natural ability to heal and restore balance. Donations are appreciated. www.ShiftingSouls.net (7575 Kingspointe Parkway Ste 21 Orl 32819)
Free Monthly Meditation Event 1:30-5p. (Checkin begins at 12:30p.). This wonderful event includes wisdom from Vipin Mehta, crystal sound bowls with Amy Anthony, a guided meditation experience, and the opportunity to connect with the Center’s guides Ted Skorman, Jax Cassidy, Stephanie Ray, Heidi Bromm & Jill Marie Jordan. Mehta Metaphysical Center (One Purlieu Place, Winter Park 32792). Details on pg 5. Info: www.mehtametaphysicalcenter.com/event
Psychometry w/ Kara. 1-2:30p. Practice your intuitive gifts by holding an item with someone else’s energy and tuning in for a message. $11. www.ShiftingSouls. net (7575 Kingspointe Parkway Ste 21 Orl 32819)
WED SEP 25
Guided Breathwork w/ Nikki Paschar. 8p. Take the first step towards emotional and mental burnout recovery. Explore the transformative power of breathwork! Free. Reserve your spot at www. nikkipaschar.com/events or email Nikki@NikkiPaschar.com
MON OCT 7
VegCF First Monday Vegan Potluck Hosted by Vegetarians of Central FL, join us from 7-9p. Requested donation per person: a vegan dish (please bring ingredient list) or $10. First Unitarian Church of Orlando. Info: p30.
19th Annual Central FL VegFest. 10a-6p. Free. Family & Pet-Friendly. Orlando Festival Park. www.CFVegFest.org. See ad, p2.
FRI NOV 9
Mindbody Activation - Join Jeff Primack and special guest teachers for three days of profound Healing and Transformation. Experience Qigong, Meditation, Breathwork, Healing with Food, Bodywork, and so much more. 11/9-11. 10a-7p. $299/all 3 days or $254 before 9/30. Lake County Fairgrounds, Eustis, FL. Info & registration, Karen 561-275-8384 or MindbodyActivation.live See ad, p31.
SAT SEP 28
Central FL Trees w/ Jim Hunter. 10-11a. Free. South Seminole Farm & Nursery, Casselberry, 407695-3247. www.SSeminoleFarmandNursery.com
Sacred Sound Bath & Meditation Journey. Immerse & uplift in an afternoon of sacred sounds with Sound Healer & Transformational Energy Guide Amy Anthony in the Crystal Temple of Global Healing. $55/solo or $80/duet. Mehta Metaphysical Center, 1 Purlieu Place, Winter Park 32792 . Register now to reserve your spot. Cushioned mats & blankets included. Register at: www. sacredtemplehealingarts.com/sacred-sound Oracle Card Class w/ Kara. 2-3:30p. Unlock the potential of oracle cards in enhancing your daily life. $45 includes a deck of cards to take home. RSVP to www.ShiftingSouls.net (7575 Kingspointe Parkway Ste 21 Orl 32819)
SUN SEP 29
Healing Circle 11:30-1p. Immerse yourself in the profound healing energies of guided meditation, Reiki, and Pranic healing techniques. Experience a sense of deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and inner peace as you harmonize your mind, body, and spirit in a supportive and nurturing environment. Join us on this journey to unlock your body’s natural ability to heal and restore balance. Donations are appreciated. www.ShiftingSouls.net (7575 Kingspointe Parkway Ste 21 Orl 32819)
Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in The Natural Directory email: naturalawakenings@earthlink.net.
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE HOLISTIC PHYSICIANS
THE CENTER FOR NATURAL & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
Kirti Kalidas, MD ND
Amar Kalidas, DO
Sara King DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC 6651 Vineland Rd, #150, Orlando 32819 407-355-9246, www.drkalidas.com
We offer Functional, Integrative and Naturopathic Medicine modalities, including IV Therapies, Hormone Replacement, Weight Loss, Ozone Therapy and more. See ad, p9.
CHIROPRACTIC
HIJAMA CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE
Dr. Sham Mohammed, DC 100 S. Bumby Ave, Orlando FL 32803
407-496-7547
HijamaChiro.com
Experience holistic healing with chiropractic care, acupuncture, and energy healing. Unlock vitality, enhance well-being, relieve pain, and improve mobility for a natural approach to your health and vitality.
CLOTHING & SHOES
BIJOU’S BOUTIQUE
2501 Edgewater Dr, Orl 32804
Mon-Sat 10a-6p
407-841-9728
www.bijousboutique.com
For 30+ yrs, find designer brands and unusual fashion, shoes, accessories & more. With Euro and Caribbean influences, French owner Bijou specializes in natural fibers. We carry sizes xs to XXL. 20% OFF during Your Birthday month!
COLON HYDROTHERAPY
HOLISTIC OPTIONS
635 Primera Blvd, Lake Mary 32746 407-333-1059
www.holisticoptionsinc.com
Experience the bestkept secret for optimal health! We use a Closed system. All disease begins in the gut!
Visit our peaceful Metaphysical store with crystals, books, sage, art and more. Check out all our classes and events in the calendar section.
DENTISTRY
HOLISTIC DENTAL HEALTH
David W. Edwards, DMD 541 N. Palmetto Ave, #101, Sanford 32771 www.HolisticDentalHealth.com 407-322-6143
Since 2007, I specialize in Holistic (Biological), Cosmetic, MercuryFree Family Dentistry and offer safe Amalgam Removal. Enjoy our relaxing view overlooking Lake Monroe in Sanford. See ad, p6.
ECO-ADVENTURES
WINTER PARK SCENIC BOAT TOURS
312 E. Morse Blvd (just east of Park Ave) Winter Park 407-644-4056 www.scenicboattours.com
Tours include 12 miles within the pristine Winter Park chain of lakes. Perfect for office parties & family gatherings. Please call ahead for large groups. Gift certs available.
Electromagnetic frequencies can be detrimental to your health. I provide advance identification and remedies to help your body regenerate, especially in the bedroom areas where healing with restful sleep occurs. Visit the website to learn more about Analysis • Consulting • Testing • Surveys & Mitigations.
for sale
Mountain Dulcimer: Beautifully handcrafted and carved with maple leaf motifs. Maker was renowned W. Furman Thorton from the Appalachian Western NC area. Includes professional padded travel case ($150 new) and two music books. $600 obo. Email: naturalawakenings@earthlink.net or text: 407-628-0705 for photographs/info.
Do you have something to sell? Business, boat, car, sports equipment, musical instrument? Advertise here for our next October edition. Deadline: 9/20/24. Just $1 per word. Email text: naturalawakenings@earthlink.net
opportunities
Pediatric Provider Wanted to join team at Cannizzaro Integrative Pediatric Center in Longwood. We are looking for a PA, NP, DO or MD who is passionate about holistic care. Send resume to: nursemel@mycipc.com or call: 407-862-1163
Natural Awakenings magazine of Central FL is Hiring! Are you Eco-Friendly and want to meet like-minded people? We offer high commissionbased sales & distribution opportunities. Visit www.NACFL.com and contact us or call/text Publisher Margaret Jones 407-628-0705.
Subscription mailed each month within the USA.
ENERGY HEALING
HILLARY STRAUS, LMHC
Maitland Wellness Center 237 Lookout Pl., Mtld 32751 www.HillaryStraus.com 407-573-2285
Experience deep emotional healing with Healing From The Body Level Up™. Remove blocks from the Conscious Mind, Unconscious, Physical Body, and Soul.
TACHYON CHAMBER
Orlando • 407-473-6401
Stephanie Ray www.TachyonEnergetics.com
Move into the high vibrational energies of Love, Joy & Bliss. This Chamber can address all levels: Physical, Emotional, Spiritual. Our website lists many benefits and pricing. See ad, p7.
EQUINE THERAPY
EL RANCHO PARAISO DE SORRENTO
Laura Innis, B.S., M.A., PgDip www.elranchoparaiso.com laura@elranchoparaiso.com 775-374-6773
Conveniently located in Lake County, discover our Boutique Wellness Ranch: Immerse in Tranquility with Horse-Guided Mindfulness, Rejuvenating Meditations, Reiki, Therapeutic Sound Therapy, Revitalizing Massages, Corporate Retreats, and Serene Cottage Stays.
FARMERS MARKETS LOCAL VENDORS
AIN’T Y MAMA’S BAKED BEANS
Arlene J. Guffin, Owner Operator aintyomamasbakedbeans@gmail.com www.aintyomamasbakedbeans.com 407-579-0404
Beaning a Taste of Diversity to Your Table. Come get your bean shot samples! Brownwood Farmers Mkt (Sat. 8a - 2p) • Mount Dora Village Marktet (Sun 9a-2p) • Windermere (Fri 9a-1:30p) . Call/txt for special orders.
Specializing in sourdough bread and fresh to order pizzas. Everything is hand made using the best possible ingredients and organic flours. Find us at Audubon Park (Mon 5-8p) and Packing District (Sat 8a-1p).
GOOD FILLS
Jennie Lee and Trung Tran 2497 Coolidge Ave, Orl 32804 hello@goodfills.co www.goodfills.co
Don’t throw away another bottle! Refill it and save money with natural & eco-friendly soaps, detergents, and cleaning products from Good Fills! Retail location in College Park and mobile refill van at Audubon Park, Packing District & Windermere markets.
GARDENING
REVIVAL GARDENING
info@revivalgardening.com 4104 Hunters Park Ln, Orl 32837 407-538-7343
www.RevivalGardening.com
Want A Green Thumb? Let Us Help! The Secret to growing healthy plants and nutritious food begins with the soil. We supply Central Floridians with the BEST Worm Castings and Organic Potting Soil! Find upcoming events, read blog articles and/or order online at www.revivalgardening.com
Offering hair care services with Organic, ammonia-free, cruelty-free, vegan & natural products. First-time Color treatments will receive a FREE haircut!
MY HAIR ESSENTIALS
Denise E Hewitt
415 Montgomery Rd, # 145, Alt Sps 32714 deniseehewitt@gmail.com 407-644-6885
www.myhairessentials.com
As a Salon Owner and Master Stylist since 1990, I am also a Certified Trichologist. My passion is to keep the health of the hair and scalp a primary focus. With a holistic approach, we can create a unique plan to stop, reverse, and prevent hair loss. Special Castor Oil available for purchase, too. See ad, p13.
HEALTH FOOD CHAMBERLINS
NATURAL FOODS
Alt Spgs/Wekiva 407-774-8866
East Orl/Herndon 407-228-1373
Lake Mary 407-936-9470 Kissimmee 407-846-7454 Lakeland 863-815-0001 www.chamberlins.com
For over 85 years, proudly serving the Central Florida community with Organics and Local Products.
M & M VITAMINS &
HEALTH FOODS
118 Middle St (SW corner of Lake Mary Blvd) Lake Mary • 407-330-2666 www.mandmvitamins.com
Serving CFL since 2006, we may be little, but we are Loyal. Get the lowest prices guaranteed on Protein Powders. Visit our website & Sign Up for exclusive monthly discounts! Mon-Sat 10a-6p, Sun 12-4p.
HYPERBARIC OXYGEN CHAMBER
FLORIDA HYPERBARIC
Dr. Sham Mohammed, DC 100 S. Bumby Ave, Orlando FL 32803 407-496-7547
Enhance healing, boost oxygen levels, improve recovery speed, reduce inflammation, and increase circulation with our Hyperbaric Chamber Oxygen Therapy. Ask about our special rates! See ad, p16.
LIFE COACHING
NIKKI PASCHAR
Board Certified Online Services 352- 809-2429
Nikki@NikkiPaschar.com www.NikkiPaschar.com
I facilitate burnout recovery with trauma-informed hypnotherapy, breathwork, and movement therapy—nurturing holistic wellbeing through personalized, mindful approaches. Free consultations. See ad, p13.
MASSAGE
INFINITY MEDITATION & MASSAGE LLC
Katie Feuerbach LMT MA #72353 772-834-8605
katie98feuerbach@gmail.com
With 20+ yrs experience, I specialize in Stress Release with Yoga Nidra Meditation & Therapeutic Massage. I also offer Mobile at home/office services. Regain your inner strength! Text/Call or email for appt.
MEDIUM
REV. JUDI WEAVER
Trance Channel Medium
Licensed Master Metaphysician Ormond Beach, FL Rev.Judi.Weaver@gmail.com 386-503-4930 www.JudiWeaver.com
Are you seeking - clarity, guidance and divine healing from your Angels and Guides? Receive personal insight messages that provide peace and purpose for your body, mind and spirit.
METAPHYSICAL CENTERS
MEHTA METAPHYSICAL CENTER
One Purlieu Place, WP, FL 32792 info@vipinmehta.com www.mehtametaphysicalcenter.com 407-853-2698
Founded by Vipin Mehta, this 8200 sq. ft. World-Class center houses a Metaphysical Art Gallery, Healing & Spiritual Center, Free Lending Library and the Crystal Temple of Love. Sign up early for Guided Tours and Meditations. See ad, p5.
ORGANIC BUYING CLUB
JOY OF ORGANICS PRODUCE BUYING CLUB
954-465-6502
JoyOfOrganics.carrd.co/#
Enjoy a variety of farm fresh, certified organic fruits and veggies at far below retail. Offering hundreds of regenerative farm food items.
PEDIATRICIAN
CANNIZZARO INTEGRATIVE PEDIATRIC CENTER 321-280-5867, www.MyCIPC.com
Functional, evidencebased medicine providing effective and non-invasive ways to treat the root cause of your child’s illness. Newborn to 21 years. ADHD, Autism, Allergies, Asthma. See ad, p10.
Very competitive prices. Fast turnaround time. Free delivery/shipping to your home or work. We offer free Bioidentical Hormone Consultations.
REAL ESTATE
RUI MANAKA REALTOR®
Align Right Realty Global 10691 E Colonial Dr, Orl. Instagram: @realestaterui realestate.rui@gmail.com 689-310-5389
Offering Real Estate Services throughout Central Florida at discounted commission rates. Short Sales & Foreclosure Resources (SFR®). I also speak Spanish: Tambien hablo Castellano.
SALT THERAPY
THE SALT ROOM LONGWOOD www.SaltRoomLongwood.com 407-862-1163
A safe, drug-free therapy proven effective for relieving symptoms of chronic sinus, lung and skin conditions such as acne, allergies, asthma, eczema, sinusitis and more. See ad, p10.
For Only $2.50 PER DAY
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450 N Lakemont Ave, Ste A Winter Park, 32789 www.massagetherapy.cc 407-673-6776
Take a tour and Enroll for the 2024 sessions. Our graduates easily become certified with our comprehensive programs. This school also offers discounted Massage Therapy appts for readers who apply in advance.
SHOE AND ACCESSORY REPAIR
THE PROFESSIONAL SHOE REPAIR, INC.
Luis Restrepo 407-767-8118
Located inside the Altamonte Springs Mall on the lower level west of JC Penney, I repair all types of shoes, sandals, handbags & clothing alterations. Call for hours. Sometimes I can complete while you wait!
SKIN CARE
TS SKIN CARE
1520 Edgewater Dr, #A, Orl 32804 407-999-5008
Mon-Sat: 9a-6p • Sun: By Appt Only www.TSSkincare.com
For over 20 yrs, we formulate our own natural products and offer a variety of skin care services. We also specialize in Acne Treatments and Deep Pore Cleansing. Visit our website, and Sign up for discounts!
SPIRITUAL CENTERS
CASSADAGA SPIRITUALIST CAMP & BOOKSTORE
1112 Stevens St, Cassadaga (GPS city: Lake Helen) 386-228-2880 www.cassadaga.org
Established in 1894, our community has Mediums, Healers, Classes, Workshops, Tours & events year-round. Seekers are welcome and self-exploration is encouraged. Check out our large Spiritual Book & Gift store. More info on website. See ad, p23.
THERMOGRAPHY
CENTRAL FLORIDA THERMOGRAPHY
1555 Howell Branch Rd, Suite B-2 Winter Park,32789 407-622-9090
Cflthermography.com
Safe, no-contact, no-radiation thermography exams. Interpreted by Certified MD Thermologists. Offering breast, half body, and full body scans. Early detection is key!
FLORIDA MEDICAL THERMOGRAPHY
June Drennon, CCT 2008 JuneDrennon@FloridaMedicalThermography.com 727-729-2711
FloridaMedicalThermography.com
Certified Clinical Thermographer 2008. Mindful Wellness with Thermography! Knowledge is power. Know your risk factors to make corrections and avoid developing pathology. Call for location convenient for you.
VEGAN
VEGETARIANS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
www.meetup.com/VegetariansCF www.CFVegFest.org
We are a non-profit, volunteer-run organization. Since 2005 we have hosted monthly potlucks and special events, including the annual CFL Earth Day Festival & VegFest. Sign up to receive notices for future events. All are welcome! .
Our nurturing environment promotes and supports health, well-being and commUNITY. We offer massage therapy, acupuncture, skin care, counseling and more. Space is also available for workshops and special events.
CERESET CAN HELP YOUR BRAIN WITH
INSOMNIA A brain in harmony is likely to facilitate better and more restful sleep.
ADD & ADHD A brain in harmony supports focused attention, memory, problem solving and self-regulation, along with a sense of peace and calm.
MEMORY A brain in harmony is likely to improve memory and create even laser focus and concentration.
ADDICTIONS & ANXIETY A brain in harmony will provide peace, calm, and comfort in the storm.
DEPRESSION A brain in harmony will support an experience of possibilities and comfort to find solutions and acceptance.
POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS A brain in harmony can reset the autonomic nervous system to resolve stuck fight-or-flight or freeze responses.
LONG COVID This includes loss of taste and smell or any of the other above issues—a brain in harmony has been found to eliminate most post-COVID infection issues.
“We often hear clients at our Cereset center say, “It’s a miracle!” But the real “miracle” is the brain’s ability to “hear” and harmonize itself using Cereset’s patented technology BrainEcho® sessions… with life-changing results.”
LIFE CHALLENGES Since the brain drives everything we humans do, think, say, sense, feel, and experience—a brain in harmony can make life as good as it can be!
was founded on the principle that the brain is capable of correcting itself when it can “hear” that it is stuck. Explore how these non-invasive sesssions can help you achieve wellness from the inside out!
